Getting ready to detail for the first time - please check my process!

[elocon]

Re: Getting ready to detail for the first time - please check my process!

There is nothing wrong with it, but those "tag Team Duos" work REALLY well together on all paints.

It sounds like you're low on cash, but in the future get the new M105 and a couple more Polishing & Finishing Pads.

Ah I see. Maybe I should redo my plan and just use the 105/205 combination instead?

Yeah, I'm a college student trying to keep my car's paint in good condition. There isn't much money to work with. At the moment though, I haven't made any purchases yet except for the PC 7424 and some pads. I can still tweak my original process. Any ideas? What are the main differences between the 105/205 and 80/83 plans?

Edit: It might help that I drive a 2006 Royal Blue Pearl Civic. I believe it has a soft clear coat, but I'm not 100% sure.

[Murr1525]

Re: Getting ready to detail for the first time - please check my process!

Depending on where you are shopping, if you can get things quickly, just buy the #205 and do a test. Dont need to buy more than you need.

[akimel]

Re: Getting ready to detail for the first time - please check my process!

Elocon, given budget restraints, you might want to consider getting SwirlX, which is available from local auto stores and WalMart at a competitive price. It's a bit stronger than M205, but it finishes down very nicely and thus does not need to be followed-up with any other product. You may well discover that this is the only cleaner-polish you need at this point. If you discover, however, you need a stronger cleaner-polish, then you can run down to the store again and get yourself Ultimate Compound.

You can also save some money be deferring the purchase of #7. The application of a "pure polish" is optional. Save your money and get the additional number of pads you will need.

[elocon]

Re: Getting ready to detail for the first time - please check my process!

^ Thanks again Akimel for all of your help.

Would one bottle of swirl x be enough to finish the whole car? It's quite a small bottle, and wouldn't I have to go over the car at least twice considering I have some moderate swirls? I might just up my budget, and do it right!


Another question regarding pads: I will be using a 5" backing plate, and 5.5" pads. Would there a problem if I use 6.5" meguiar's pads with this backing plate?

[akimel]

Re: Getting ready to detail for the first time - please check my process!

Would one bottle of swirl x be enough to finish the whole car? It's quite a small bottle, and wouldn't I have to go over the car at least twice considering I have some moderate swirls? I might just up my budget, and do it right!

Oh yeah. One bottle is going to see you through a couple of polishing sessions. You'll see what I mean once you get started. One does not use a lot of polish with a dual-action polisher. See:

How to apply product to the face of your foam buffing pads

And once the pad gets primed, you will be using even less. We newbs tend to use too much product.

Do a test spot. If SwirlX isn't getting the job done, then run down to the store and get yourself a bottle of Ultimate Compound. Or just go ahead and splurge and get yourself one of each right off. But given the reviews we have been seeing here on MOL, I wouldn't underestimate the power of SwirlX.

[elocon]

Re: Getting ready to detail for the first time - please check my process!

^ Thanks for the link. I've looked through it before, and still thought that the bottle looked small. I will be sure to use a little product.

[elocon]

Re: Getting ready to detail for the first time - please check my process!

One real quick last question. Should the polish steps of the is process (M205, M83 or Swirl X and #7) only be applied for this specific job?

I read that it is not good to polish the car often, as it can diminish the clear coat and paint. What am I looking at for a regular wash after I have done this first detail job that removes the imperfections and swirls?

Will it simply be just Wash and Wax? How often can I apply pure polishes like #7?

[akimel]

Re: Getting ready to detail for the first time - please check my process!

One real quick last question. Should the polish steps of the is process (M205, M83 or Swirl X and #7) only be applied for this specific job?

I read that it is not good to polish the car often, as it can diminish the clear coat and paint. What am I looking at for a regular wash after I have done this first detail job that removes the imperfections and swirls?

A number of folk do major swirl-removal details in the spring and fall and maintenance details in-between.

Will it simply be just Wash and Wax?

Here is one way to maintain your car: Your Daily Driver.

Learning to wash your car without creating swirls is key. I have yet to master this art. See Mike Philip's video: How to Wash Your Car Show Car Style.

How often can I apply pure polishes like #7?

As often as your heart desires. Pure polishes are nonabrasive. Some like to apply a pure polish whenever they wax or perhaps every other wax or on special occasions. It's up to you.

[elocon]

Re: Getting ready to detail for the first time - please check my process!

As often as your heart desires. Pure polishes are nonabrasive. Some like to apply a pure polish whenever they wax or perhaps every other wax or on special occasions. It's up to you.

This is EXACTLY the response I was hoping for! Thank you very much for the all the help!